Have you ever brought a gold coin? Apart from expenditure, you will admire its shine and grace. One of the most precious metals, gold, has irrational cultural and traditional values. We interlink our beliefs and customs with this incredible metal. The worth of this metal keeps perpetuating depending upon economies. Gold production has significantly boosted sustainable economic development. Gold mining has become a global business with operations in every continent except Antarctica.
Gold is precious and the rarest metal found in 0.001 and 0.006 ppm in the earth’s crust. The metal is widely used for industrial purposes due to its ductility, malleability, conductivity, reflectivity, and other desirable properties.
Top Gold Producing Countries
Most of the gold produced from mining operations is molded into jewelry and accessories. The mining operations contributed as economic drivers creating direct and indirect employment opportunities. The production has significant involvement in bringing foreign direct investment, foreign exchange, and tax revenues. You will be pleased to know that the gold exports in Canada were valued at $22.3 billion in 2019, which increased by 28.9% from the previous year. The production of gold was worth $10.3 billion in 2019. Colombia mining companies have sustainably propelled socio-economic development. You should know about Collective Mining, which is a company involved in discovering, permitting, and constructing the largest gold mine in Columbia. Read further to know about the top gold-producing countries.
- China
The country has acquired the top position in gold production. China contributed 11% to global gold production. In 2020, the country produced 368 tons of gold which decreased from the previous year. This might be the consequence of strict environmental policies by the government.
- Russia
Between 2010 and 2019, the country had tripled its production. Talking about its mines, Polypus is the largest gold mine in Russia producing approx. 86 metric tons of gold in 2020. The mining operation in Russia is expanding and may surpass China’s annual production. The total production of gold in 2020 was estimated at 331 tons contributing 9% to the world’s gold output.
- Australia
In Australia, the top mines, including Cadia Valley of Cadia-Ridgeway Mine, Boddington Gold Mine, Fosterville Gold Mine, Tropicana Gold Mine, and Kalgoorlie Super pit mine, are majorly responsible for its gold production. In 2020, Australia accounted for 327.8 tons of gold production. It’s a new production record put on by Australia despite rough challenges. By the year 2026, it is expected that the production may reach 418 metric tons.
- United States
The country accounted for the gold production of 190.2 tons in 2020. In the 1980s, the country’s production was greatly expanded due to higher value. The top states involved in mining operations include Nevada, Alaska, Colorado, California, and Arizona, which are significantly responsible for increased production.
Conclusion
The increasing demands of copper have raised the question of whether all the reserves are exhausted. The properties and qualities of gold make it one of the most coveted metals, which can be beautifully sculpted, decorated, and designed. Mining operations are a major boost to the economy.